In June 1843 Allan and Ferguson, one of Glasgow's leading
firms of lithographers, draughtsmen and engravers, advertised the
publication of a new series of Views in Glasgow.
They were 'Engraved on Steel, in the first style of art, from
Original Drawings, executed expressly for this Work, and
surrounded with beautiful Medallion Frame-work'. There were
twenty plates printed in two parts. Each part sold for 2s. 6d. on
proof paper, or 2d. per sheet on letter paper. The views were
reproduced in James Pagan's Sketch
of the History of Glasgow, 1847, with descriptions of the
plates and two additional views.

Allan and Ferguson was established in 1835. David Allan (d.1875)
had served his apprenticeship with James Miller, another leading
Glasgow printer, and set up his own business in 1831. Four years
later he formed a partnership with William Ferguson (d.1884),
an engraver, and published Views of Glasgow and Neighbourhood,
1835. Allan lithographed the scenes and the text was written by
John M. Leighton (fl. 1820s-1830s), who collaborated with
Joseph Swan (1796-1872), the engraver and publisher, on several
illustrated works.

The firm did not name the artists who actually drew the views
but their identities were later revealed by William 'Crimean'
Simpson (1823-99), the first war artist, in his memoirs and
notes. Allan and Ferguson employed a number of artists including
Simpson, Robert Carrick (1820-1905) and James Anderson (fl.1830s).
According to Simpson, most of the Views of Glasgow and
Neighbourhood were done by Anderson, the Views in Glasgow
were Carrick's while he was responsible for the majority of
illustrations in Views
and Notices of Glasgow in Former Times, 1848. Robert
Stuart (1812-48) wrote the text for the latter and published it
jointly with Allan and Ferguson, and John Menzies and Bell and
Bradfute in Edinburgh.

The University Library's volume of Illustrated Letter Paper
Comprising a Series of Views in Glasgow provides a
fascinating glimpse of many of the city's lost buildings and
landmarks.